I have crate trained every single puppy I've ever had! Having said that, once they are potty trained and not destructive anymore, I pretty well give up the crate all together. It's just a way to have time away and know they are safe. I would not bother on a 10 yr old dog. Sounds like your having separation issues. That's a different problem altogether. A dog that panics when your not home. I bet your pooch is afraid of thunderstorms?